About
As an LPGA Class A Golf Professional for over 25 years and Life Member of the LPGA, (Ladies Professional Golf Association) with over 300+ hours on instructional training. Additionally, l have studied under several of the nation’s top Professional Golf Instructors; Jim Hardy the co-founder of the John Jacobs Golf Schools was my mentor for over a decade. Mike La Bauve from the Golf Digest Golf Schools, Marlene Floyd and her Women’s Only Golf Schools, and Gary Lester from Extraordinary Golf, leader in coaching on the mental side of the game.
I began my golfing career in Maui, Hawaii, had a full scholarship at the University of Hawaii Manoa & then UCLA, to later go on and play professionally. Over the years, I have has held the position of Director of Instruction and Programming at various top resorts & private clubs throughout the country, from Maui to Aspen to Hilton Head with a focus on promoting Women’s Golf.
I bring a wealth of information to my teaching with clear communication of swing mechanics with positive approach. My coaching approach is to develop with a student a clear and realistic game plan to each their goals and meet their personal needs in their swing & game. What l do not do, is take a one swing fits all approach, and assess each individual in their physical abilities and possible limitations, discuss their personal goals and determine if they are a 1 or 2 plane golfer so that l can provide the easiest path to correction and/or development. Additionally, when appropriate, l also provide education in understanding basic ball-flight laws for self correction to apply to their practice and play.
I work on all areas of the game, full-swing &/or short-game development, and can customize a lesson to focus on a specific clubs or shot techniques for lowering one's score. Beyond 'swing development' l also offer' on-course game development' wuth on-course skills building, course management, and conditioning for the mental side of the game. Overall it is my goal to not only help a student learn to connect to their swing so to play more effective golf, but to help develop a more positive approach to their game.
I love Golf and as a student of the game and teacher I have been so fortunate to have meet so many wonderful people over the years personally & professionally! Golf has also taken me all over the world to work & play in many amazing golf settings, as well as provided me many incredible life experiences along with personal growth. Golf has reminded me that 'Life IS to Enjoy', and it is just one of the many gifts that has allowed me to experience life more fully and the opportunity to share it with others!
I also like that it's a sport that is available for all ages and for both genders in a beautiful outdoor setting. It is a sport that offers individuals not only the opportunities for personal and professional growth, but to get outside and have fun, engage in a game with healthy competition and above all develop a social connection!
I feel that in this day & age of high stressed work environments, ongoing social demands withour daily 'To Do Lists' never getting smaller, and the 'Social Media Trap' of todays culture, (Thank God we can't 'Text Golf'!) as we are losing our connection to what is important in life, our relationship to ourselves, to others and nature! Golf provides all of these, and a way for us to 'unplug' from it all, ground & center ourselves, relax & reconnect! It also provides us the opportunities to not only get outside and challenge ourselves in a FUN way, but the opportunity to meet others and develop long lasting relationships!
For the past decade I have created and offered various Golf Instructional Programs with a special focus on Women's Golf for new & seasoned golfers. Such programs have included; my unique ‘Swing Sip & Savor’ Golf Retreats for Women & Couples; 1 – 3 Day Golf programs where education goes beyond the lesson tee with pairings of food & wine education for a unique golf experience in Santa Barbara Wine Country & in Napa Valley.
Whether you prefer learning in a one on one environment with private instruction or would feel more comfortable in a group setting with a few friends, or with a partner/spouse, I can customize lessons for on-range or on-course instruction to meet your needs. I look forward to working with you and reaching new heights in your game!
Making it a Great Day for Golf! ⛳️
Sandy